PANJIM: Vegetable consumers who frequent the stores and stalls of the Goa State Horticultural Development Corporation (GSHDC) have been complaining of poor quality of vegetables and fruits. Customers stated that most of the vegetables, especially onions, potatoes and tomatoes, are smashed and rotten which makes them a worthless purchase.
There have also been complaints about the infrastructure of these stores as cleanliness at these places is not a priority. Consumers suggest that the perishables be kept in a proper and clean environment.
Vasco resident Shama Khan said, “I prefer buying vegetables from the market as they keep their vegetables in very clean places, unlike some of the horticulture shops that have been keeping vegetables haphazardly, which create hygienic issues.”
The issues have been raised in the past but no action has been taken by the Corporation. Onions are being sold at Rs 30 a kg and tomatoes at Rs 25 a kg. The prices are cheaper compared to the previous month as the quality of the vegetables is low.
In the market, onions and tomatoes are presently being sold at Rs 40 and Rs 30, respectively. The hike is due to the scanty rainfall resulting in decreased production. Transportation charges are also included but there is a possibility the prices could drop in the coming weeks.
Sarah Fernandes, a resident of Panjim and a regular customer at GSHDCL stores said, “There is no point in buying vegetables from the horticulture stores, as the quality of the vegetables is very low. The low price is just a plus point, but if the quality is low, then there is no point in buying them.”
The market price of the vegetables is higher, but the vegetables are of a better quality compared to the vegetables available in the GSHDCL stores.
Consumers also compared the display of vegetables and fruits between the market vendors the corporation’s stalls saying in the market vendors have sufficient area to arrange their vegetables and fruits whereas the horticulture stalls are not provided enough space and the stalls have been constructed ineptly.
